Kingston Age Concern chairman receives MBE from the Queen

The chairman of Age Concern Kingston visited Windsor Castle to receive her MBE from the Queen.

Anne Cann travelled to Berkshire with friends and family after being recognised by her Majesty in the New Year’s Honours list.

She was among 35 people receiving honours on March 7 - and was suitably impressed by the ceremony.

Mrs Cann said: “It was the sort of ceremony that the British do really well.

“Carried out meticulously, every detail checked, timing perfect, yet with every member of the Palace staff working to make it a memorable and happy day for everyone.”

Mrs Cann has been involved with Age Concern Kingston since 1974, when she began volunteering at Holly Lodge day centre in New Malden.

She was instrumental in the merger between two elderly charities to create Kingston Age Concern in 1999 and has chaired the charity since 2008.

Today, Age Concern Kingston employs over 70 staff and has a bank of more than 100 volunteers. It has won numerous awards and is one of the leading independent old people’s charities in south west London.

Mrs Cann added: “This award should also be shared by all our volunteers and staff. I would like to have taken a bus-load of guests to the ceremony so that everyone in the organisation could have enjoyed the day too.”